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Some iPhone 17 Owners Report Wi-Fi Dropping When Unlocking Their Phone

New problems across the iPhone 17 series and iPhone Air suggest issues with Wi-Fi connectivity. Apple has yet to comment, but iOS 26.1 may have a fix.

 & James Peckham Reporter

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The iPhone 17, 17 Pro, 17 Pro Max, and iPhone Air launched last Friday, but some early adopters are having connectivity issues with their new phones.

According to reports on Reddit, first spotted by MacRumors, some iPhone 17 models are disconnecting from Wi-Fi every time the phone is unlocked. One user says the Wi-Fi turns off when unlocking the device, or swiping down on the lock screen to access the notification center.

The brief disconnect and reconnect to Wi-Fi is frustrating for users as it slows down the experience. It can also have an impact on systems that require a Wi-Fi connection, such as Apple CarPlay.

Reddit

The original Reddit user has found either disconnecting or locking their Apple Watch has helped limit the issue, suggesting the problems might be tied to the smartwatch.

However, some other commenters have said that doesn't fix the issue for them. Some are also sharing slightly differing problems without the use of an Apple Watch, although they all tie to Wi-Fi connectivity dropping for a short period of time.

There are also further reports on Apple's support forum. It's currently unclear how widespread these issues are. So far, there aren't any reports of similar problems with iOS 26 on older iPhone models, suggesting it's limited to the new hardware.

If you’re experiencing this problem, you may find a fix is coming with iOS 26.1. The first beta for the software is available now, and some users (but not all) who have switched over to it have found the issue is solved.

You should only switch to iOS 26.1 Beta 1 if you're clear on the risks of running early software. In the meantime, we'll have to wait for an update from Apple, which has yet to comment.

About Our Expert

James Peckham

James Peckham

Reporter

I’ve been a journalist for over a decade after getting my start in tech reporting back in 2013. I joined PCMag in 2025, where I cover the latest developments across the tech sphere, writing about the gadgets and services you use every day. Be sure to send me any tips you think PCMag would be interested in.

I’ve worked at TechRadar, Android Police, T3, and more, where I broke many tech stories you may have read, including the return of the Motorola Razr when it first became a foldable phone. Based near London, I’ve appeared on BBC News, Al Jazeera, and other TV networks, podcasts, and radio shows as an expert on the latest tech stories and trends.

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